Philippine Coast Guard Marks Suspicious Object in Taal Lake
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Tagalog reported a significant development during their latest search operation at Taal Lake. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, a technical diver discovered a “suspicious” object while conducting underwater searches for missing sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts. This discovery marks a crucial moment amid the ongoing search efforts.
PCG Southern Tagalog commander Commodore Jerome Tuvilla shared that the team began diving around 8 a.m., focusing on an area approximately 20 meters southeast of the previous day’s search zone. However, the search was hampered by extremely poor underwater visibility, making the operation even more challenging.
“Unlike yesterday, when the diver could see about a meter ahead at the bottom, today it was almost zero visibility right from the start of the descent,” Tuvilla explained. This zero visibility forced divers to comb the lake floor carefully by hand, marking anything unusual with buoy markers for forensic teams to inspect later.
Challenges in the Taal Lake Search Operations
The divers have yet to retrieve any marked items. They await the arrival of Scene of the Crime Operatives, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and the National Bureau of Investigation to ensure proper documentation and adherence to safety protocols. These steps are essential to maintain the integrity of the search and investigation.
To prevent disorientation caused by the lake’s uneven terrain and poor visibility, the team has placed flotation markers and descending lines. These aids help divers relocate specific points underwater.
Commander Tuvilla emphasized the complexity of the task, highlighting the strong underwater currents that complicate search efforts. “Taal Lake is a very challenging area for dive operations,” he said, noting the technical difficulties the team faces daily.
Collaboration and Next Steps
The PCG commander plans to visit the site personally to talk with the diver who identified the suspicious object. This direct communication will help clarify what was felt and observed underwater versus what was reported over the radio.
The search continues with patience and caution, as teams work meticulously to uncover any clues that might bring closure to the families of the missing sabungeros.
For more news and updates on the Taal Lake search operations, visit Filipinokami.com.
